Should spanking be allowed under Canadian law?

The section of the Criminal Code that justifies spanking should be removed, a group of Canadian researchers says.

Spanking, as seen in this 1951 magazine ad for life insurance, used to be commonplace. Some doctors say it can't be justified. (iStock)The doctors cite research showing that children who have experienced physical punishment tend to be more aggressive toward others.

Spanking is also associated with antisocial behaviour and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and drug use.

The researchers, whose work is published in Monday's issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, say public health campaigns against physical punishment should be reinforced.

"Physicians can urge the federal government to remove Section 43 from the Criminal Code, which provides legal justification for the use of physical punishment, thereby undermining public health initiatives," the authors concluded.

In 2004, the Supreme Court upheld Section 43 of the Criminal Code that allows parents and school teachers to physically discipline children in their care by using "reasonable" force.

The court set out limits for spanking including:

• Spanking could be used against children between the ages of two and 12 years old.
• Children could not be disciplined with an object.
• Hits to the head would be unacceptable.

Should spanking be allowed under Canadian law? Why or why not? Is spanking ever a reasonable way to discipline a child? Let us know what you think.



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